COLIN Graves, the England and Wales Cricket Board chairman recently suggested that: “The younger generation, whether you like it or not, are just not attracted to cricket,” he explained, “They want something different. They want it to be more exciting. They want it shorter. They want it simpler to understand.”

The younger generation of South Powys beg to differ as recent days out in the Powys sunshine suggests that cricket has a growing influence in the lives of many. Three days, 52 teams, 120 games, 500 children ... suggest that youth cricket is alive and kicking. In partnership with Cricket Wales, Powys Sports Development and Brecon and Builth High Schools the competitions provided a platform to promote the game on a wide scale.

The South Powys Primary schools festival held at Brecon Cricket Club attracted a record breaking 26 teams from across Breconshire. This added up to over 250 children playing on 13 pitches over 6 matches per team to decide the teams to qualify for the Welsh finals in Cardiff in July.

Morning qualifying matches displayed all the skills developed through Chance to Shine and Allstars Cricket programmes. The afternoon allowed the best sides the battle it out for the winners medals as Dyffryn y Glowyr from Ystradgynlais were joined by Cradoc (Brecon), Llanbedr (Crickhowell) and Mount Street (Brecon) in the semi finals.

After two tense games, Dyffryn and Cradoc reached the final and it was reigning champions Dyffryn who held onto their crown with a last over win.

In the Radnorshire round an excellent 12 teams met at Builth Wells Cricket Club. Another 130 eager children tested their cricketing skills as the Garth Road ground was taken over for the day.

Llanelwedd School, with a good tradition of schools cricket provided two of the semi finalists and were joined by Irfon Valley (Garth) and Radnor Valley.

But ultimately it was a strong Llanelwedd A string that overcame a battling Irfon Valley team to win the trophy.

Cricket Wales are putting significant resource into Women and Girls Cricket and this was further evidenced as a further 12 teams fought out the South Powys Girls Competition at Brecon. To further evidence their strength Ystradgynlais’ Dyffryn y Glowyr took home the spoils on this occasion.

Cricket Wales’ Community Coach Terry Dickson praised all involved: “The focus of the days are on participation while showcasing the new skills learned. The response this year has been incredible and our thanks go to the teachers for supporting the children into taking part.”

He added: “We wish those representing Powys all the very best as they head to Cardiff for the regional finals.”